Disconnecting switch operating linkage

ABSTRACT

A switch structure characterized by a plurality of spaced switch units and interconnected by movable tie rods including adjustable connecting means between each unit and a corresponding tie rod which connecting means includes a clevis and a clamping portion comprising a plurality of spaced slots forming slotted sections movable between contracted and expanded positions, which sections include a serrated peripheral surface adapted for seizing the inner surface of the tie rods.

i United States Patent 1 1 3,731,018

Spisak et al. a [451 May 1, 1973 DISCONNECTING SWITCH [56] References Cited OPERATING LINKAGE UNITED STATES PATENTS [75] Inventors: Raymond J. Spisak, East Pittsburgh;

' 3,140,367 4 1962 J h ..200 48 Robert N. Becker, Irwin; Wesley L. l 0 I R McKe'than pmsburgh an of Primary ExaminerHerman J. Hohauser [73] Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Atwmey A- Stratton et P'tt b h, P

5 mg a 57 ABSTRACT 22 F1 d: 12 1972 1 1e June A switch structure characterized by a plurality of [21 App]. No.: 261,894 spaced switch units and interconnected by movable tie rods including adjustable connecting means between each unit and a corresponding tie rod which connect- 52 vs. C]. ..200/48 R, 200/50c mg means includes a clevis and a Clamping portion [51] Int. Cl. ..H0lh 31/00 comprising a plurality of Spaced Slots forming Slotted Field of Search 48 P, 48 sections movable between contracted and expanded 200/50 C, 50 R, 5 R

positions, which sections include a serrated peripheral surface adapted for seizing the inner surface of the tie rods.

8 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures In 52 5a w 1 l i 1 I I I 1 L Y 4/ 61 a? w-HIHH 1. i I Y L I l I 6.0 6'6 67 i m 3 Sheets-Sheet 1-- FIG. I.

Patented Ma 1,1973] 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 I FIG.4.

Patented May 1, 1973 3 Sheets-Sheet f5 mwc DISCONNECTING SWITCH OPERATING LINKAGE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to electric switches including a plurality of switch or pole units and, more particularly, it pertains to adjustable interconnecting means for actuating the switch units simultaneously by a common drive means.

2. Description of the Prior Art In certain types of polyphase, outdoor high voltage disconnecting switches, a plurality of switch units or pole units are mounted on a supporting framework with each switch unit having a plurality of insulator stacks one of which is mounted on a rotatable shaft. In order to gang operate a plurality of switch units, levers are mounted on the shafts of the respective switch units and operatively connected by tie rods. A common drive means for a plurality of switch units may then be operatively connected to the shaft of one of the associated switch units and the plurality of switch units may be gang or simultaneously operated by a common drive means through the associated levers and tie rods. For proper operation of a plurality of switch units such as described, the levers of the respective switch units must be initially assembled or mounted on the associated shafts in predetermined angular positions, such, for example, as to be substantially parallel with respect to each other or at substantially the same angular positions with respect to the associated shafts and must remain so during long periods of operation in service without shifting or changing positions on the associated shafts.

Disconnecting switch constructions of the type described are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,669,614, 2,668,622, 2,748,213, and 3,590,178 which are all assigned to the same assignee as the present application. Most switch structures of the type involved have been found to be expensive and difficult to adjust precisely in order to obtain simultaneous opening and closing of the different switch units which are to be gang operated by common drive means. Thus, there has been a need for an improved switch construction of the type described which is conducive to expedient adjustments between the several switch units.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It has been found in accordance with this invention that the foregoing problem may be overcome by providing a plurality of spaced switch units mounted on a frame, each switch unit having a movable lever for operating the switch unit between open and closed positions, means including tie rods for interconnecting the levers of adjacent switch units, common drive means for the .switch units and operatively connected to the lever of one of the switch units, adjustable connecting means between each lever and corresponding tie rods and comprising a clevis connected to a lever and a clamping portion attached to a tie rod, the clamping portion comprising an expandable insert having a plurality of spaced slots forming slotted sections, each slotted section having an inner conical surface and a serrated peripheral surface adapted for seizing the inner surface of the tie rod, and a locking stud cooperative with the expandable insert and having a tapered surface engageable with the tapered surfaces of the several slotted sections for moving the sections radially outwardly.

The advantage of the device of this invention is that it facilitates the establishment of precise and simultaneous operation of the several switch units by a common drive means and without the need for threaded tie rods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. I is a partial top plan view of a switch structure embodying the principal features of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial view, in front elevation, of the structure shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view, in section, taken along the line III-III in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial view, in side elevation, taken along the line IV--IV in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial view, partly in section and partly cut away, taken along the line V-V in FIG.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged elevational view, partly in sec- DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings and FIGS.- 1 and 2 in particular, the switch structure 10 shown therein comprises three disconnecting switch or pole units 20 which are mounted side by side upon a supporting framework 40 in substantially equally spaced relation. Each of the disconnecting switch units 20 may be of the type which is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No'. 3,079,474 which issued Feb. 26, 1963 to E. F. Beach et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 3,194,905 which issued July 13, 1965 to F. W. Jewell et al., and in U.S. Pat. No. 3,500,006 which issued Mar. 10, 1970 to E. W. Kuhn, which are all assigned to the same assignee as this application.

As best shown in FIG. 1, each switch unit 20 comprises three spaced insulator stacks 24, 26, and 28 which are mounted upon a common base 22. The base 22 may be in the form of 'a metal channel member which is secured to the supporting framework 40 and which may have angle members secured to the sides of the channel member. Each of the insulator stacks 24, 26, and 28 of each of the switch units 20 comprise a plurality of insulators which are preferably composed of porcelain or some similar electrically insulating material. It will be understood that the number of insulators required in each stack depends upon the voltage of the system in which the switch structure 10 is utilized. The insulator stacks 26 and 28 of each switch unit 20, as illustrated, are mounted upon fixed pedestals (not shown) which may be secured to the top of the base 22. The insulator stack 24 of each of the switch units 20 is mounted upon a shaft 25 which is rotatably mounted in a bearing assembly 23 which is secured to the base 22.

necting switch blade 19 which may be actuated into and out of engagement with an associated stationary contact assembly 21 by rotating the associated insulator stack 24 which is operatively connected to the switch blade 19 through a crank arm and a link member 17. In order to permit the simultaneous or gang operation of the switch units 20, the insulator stacks 24 of the switch units are operatively connected together by the tie rods 42 which are pivotally connected to the lever arms 27 which are mounted on the respective shafts 25, as will be described more fully hereinafter.

In order to actuate the gang operation of the switch units 20, a common drive means 30 is operatively connected to the shaft 25 of one of the switch units 20. As

illustrated, the manual drive means includes a lever arm 47 which is mounted on the shaft 25 of the switch unit 20 at the right of the switch structure 10, as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2. The lever arm 47 is operatively connected to the crank arm 137 by the operating rod 52 which is pivotally connected at one end to the lever arm 47 by the pivot pin 139 through the clevis member 54 and which is pivotally connected at the other end to the crank arm 137 by the pivot pin 138. The crank arm 137, in turn, is mounted on an operating shaft 132 for rotation therewith. The upper end of the shaft 132 is rotatably supported by an outboard bearing assembly 144 which, in turn, is supported on the framework 40. The lower end of the shaft 132 is coupled to a hand crank 146 through a suitable gear box 142. It is to be understood that, where desired, the common drive means which actuates the operation of the switch units 20 may include an electric or other drive motor rather than being of the manual type, as illustrated.

It is to be noted that for proper simultaneous or gang operation of the switch units 20 by the common drive means 30 to thereby obtain a desired synchronized or sequential operation of the switch units 20 during opening and closing operations, the levers 27 which are operatively connected by the tie rods 42 must be disposed at predetermined angular positions with respect to the associated shafts 25 on which said levers are disposed for rotation therewith. As illustrated, if it is desired that all three of the switch units 20 should open and close simultaneously, the levers 27 must be disposed substantially parallel with respect to one another at all times during opening and closing operations or the levers 27 must be simultaneously disposed at substantially the same angular positions with respect to the associated shafts 25. In other words, it is essential that all of the levers 27 may be initially positioned or assembled on the associated shafts 25 and that the levers 27 remain at said predetermined angular positions during long periods of service without shifting or changing position with respect to one another or with respect to the associated shafts 25 on which said levers are disposed.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, each of the shafts 25 on which the rotatable insulator stacks 24 of the switch units 20 are mounted includes a portion as indicated at 258 in FIG. 4 having a plurality of teeth 25A which are disposed substantially around the periphery of the shaft 25. The lever arm 47 which is operatively connected to the common drive means 30 by the operating rod 52 includes a generally arcuate portion 47A at one end having a plurality of teeth 47 B which engage only a portion of the teeth on the associated shaft 25 when the lever arm 47 is assembled on the shaft 25. In order to secure the lever arm 47 to the shaft 25 for rotation therewith, a clamping member 49 is disposed on the shaft 25 opposite the end of the lever arm 47 which includes the arcuate portion 47A. The clamping member 49 also includes a generally arcuate portion 49A having a plurality of teeth 493 which also engage only a portion of the teeth on the shaft 25.

In order to secure the lever arm 47 and the clamping member 49 together on the associated shaft 25, as best shown in FIG. 3, a pair of fastening means, more specifically a pair ofbolts 182 are disposed on opposite sides of the shaft 25 and pass through corresponding openings provided in the clamping member 49 and the lever arm 47 It is noted that the heads of the bolts 182 bear against substantially flat planar surfaces provided on the clamping member 49 through associated lock washers and that the associated nuts 183 which are disposed on the opposite ends of the bolts 182 bear against substantially fiat, planar surfaces provided on the lever arm 47. Since both the lever arm 47 and the associated clamping member 49 include a plurality of teeth which engage different portions of the teeth provided on the shaft 25, it is important to note that the angular position of the lever arm 47 with respect to the shaft 25 may be adjusted in angular steps which correspond to the angular positions of the teeth 25A which are provided on the shaft 25. It is also noted that once the lever arm 47 and the associated clamping member 49 are assembled on the associated shaft 25, the angular position of the lever arm 47 with respect to the shaft 25 will remain at the same angular position due to the engagement of the teeth on the lever arm 47 with those on the shaft 25 and the engagement of the teeth on the clamping member 49 with those on the shaft 25 which will substantially prevent any relative movement of the lever arm 47 and the clamping member 49 with respect to the shaft 25.

As previously mentioned, the operating rod 52 operatively connects the lever arm 47 to the common drive means 30. More specifically, adjustable connecting means or connector 54 is provided and includes a pivotal portion or a clevis and a clamping portion 55 (FIG. 6). The pivotal portion includes a pair of spaced arms 56 and 57 having substantially aligned openings through which the pivot pin 139 extends with the outer end of the lever arm 47 being disposed between the arms as shown in FIG. 3.'Suitable means, such as a pair of cotter pins (not shown) may be disposed in opposite ends of the pivot pin 139 to retain the assembled parts together. The clamping portion 55 includes a threaded bore 58 which is aligned with the spacing between the arms 56 and 57. The end of the clamping portion 55 opposite the clevis 54 is provided with a plurality of angularly spaced slots 59 (FIG. 7) which slots extend from a location 60 substantially at the right end of the threaded bore 58 as viewed in FIG. 6. Thus, the slots 59 provide a plurality of sections 61 extending radially from a tapered surface 63 of the bore 58. The outer surface 64 of the sections 61 are tapered inwardly toward the axis of the bore to a reduced necked area 65 which area is adjacent to a radially extending portion 66 of each section 61. As shown in FIG. 6, the

peripheral surface is provided with means for seizing the inner surface of a tie rod 52. Such means may include a plurality of longitudinally spaced serrations or ridges 67 the outer edges of which are pointed or sharp enough to be embedded slightly into the inner surface of the tube 52 when the sections 61 are flexed outwardly. In the alternative the other surfaces of the section 61 may be knurled instead of serrated, or the surface may be provided with any other suitable means such as coated with a material having a high coefficient of friction, such as, for example, rubber, to prevent accidental dislodgement longitudinally of the connecting means from the tie rod.

In addition to the clamping portion 55 the adjustable connecting means also includes a locking stud 68 which stud includes a beveled or tapered end portion 69, an opposite end portion 70 which is provided with a toolreceiving opening 71, such as an Allen wrench, and an intermediate threaded portion between said end portions. The threaded portion engages the threaded bore 58 so that the tapered end portion 69 is brought into contact with the tapered surfaces 63 of the several sections 61. The outer extremity of the clamping portion 55 preferably provides for a snug fit within the rod 52 and a for a slight clearance 72 between the serrations or ridges 67 and the tube 52. Accordingly, upon insertionof the clamping portion 55 into the rod 52 to the proper location, the locking stud 68 is turned until the advancing tapered end portion 69 of the stud, acting upon the tapered surfaces 63 of the several sections 61, causes said portion to flex radially outwardly until the serrations 67 become seized or imbedded into the inner surface of the rod 52, thereby clamping the clamping portion 55 in place.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, each of the levers 27 includes a generally smooth, arcuate portion 27A which partially encircles the associated shaft 25 and is engaged by only a portion of the teeth 25A on the associated shaft 25, as best shown in FIG. 5. In order to secure each of the levers 27 to the associated shaft 25 as shown in FIG. 5, a clamping member 29 is disposed on the shaft 25 opposite the end of the associated lever 27 which includes the arcuate portion 278. The clamping member 29 includes a generally arcuate portion 29A having a plurality of teeth 29D which engage only a portion of the teeth 25A on the associated shaft 25 when the parts are assembled as shown in FIG. 5. In order to secure the lever 27 of each of the switch units and the associated clamping member 29 together on the associated shaft 25, a pair of fastening means, more specifically a pair of bolts 82 are disposed on opposite sides of the associated shaft as shown in FIG. 5. The bolts 82 pass through corresponding openings provided in the lever 27 and the associated clamping member 29 with the heads of the bolts 82 bearing against a pair of spaced, substantially flat planar surfaces 298 and 29C through the associated lock washers. The nuts 84 which are disposed on the ends of the bolts 82 away from the heads thereof also bear against a pair of spaced, substantially flat, planar surfaces 278 provided on the lever 27.

In the assembly of the levers 27 on the associated shafts 25, it is important to note that since the arcuate portion 27A of each of the levers 27 is generally smooth, each of the levers 27 may be precisely positioned at any angular position desired with respect to the associated shaft 25 since the arcuate portion 27A of the lever 27 does not include any teeth which will engage those provided on the shaft 25. After the lever 27 of each of the switch units 20 is precisely positioned at the desired angular position with respect to the associated shaft 25, the associated clamping member 29 and the bolts 82 may be then assembled and tightened to secure each of the levers 27 to its associated shaft 25. It is to be noted that when the bolts 82 and the associated nuts 84 are tightened in their assembled positions as shown in FIG. 5, the teeth 25A provided on the shaft 25 will tend to engage or bear against the arcuate portion 27A and substantially prevent any shifting of positions of the levers 27 on the associated shafts 25.

As illustrated the construction of the levers 27 and the associated clamping members 29 permits the assembly of the levers 27 as illustrated in substantially predetermined angular positions with respect to the associated shafts which may be substantially parallel, as illustrated, with each of the levers 27 being disposed at substantially the same angular position with respect to the associated shafts 25. It is to be understood that the levers 27 in particular applications may be positioned in different angular positions with respect to one another where a different sequence of operation is desired for the associated switch units 20.

In the operation of the switch structure 10 as described, when the lever arm 47 is rotated by the common drive means 30, all of the levers 27 are simultaneously rotated by the torques which are transmitted from the shaft 25 at the right end of the switch structure 10 through the different levers 27 and the associatedtie rods 42 to thereby simultaneously actuate the switch units 20 between open and closed operating positions.

As previously explained, the switch units 20 which are included in the switch structure 10 are illustrated as being of the type in which all of the switch units simultaneously open and close together with the levers 27 of the different switch units remaining at all times during opening and closing movements in substantially the same corresponding angular positions with respect to the associated shafts 25. It is to be understood that the teachings of the invention may also be applied to switch structures in which the different switch units may operate in sequence or in synchronism as determined by the relative angular positions of the different levers which correspond to the levers 27 of the disclosed switch structure. In other words, a switch structure as disclosed may include a plurality of levers corresponding to the levers 27 which are disposed at different angular positions with respect to the associated shafts in order to actuate the different switch units in a predeterunits 20. As illustrated, the levers 27 of the switch units may be initially assembled to be substantially parallel or at substantially the same angular positions with respect to the associated shafts and will remain substantially parallel or at the same angular positions during long periods of continuous service due to the clamping action which is provided by the construction of the levers 27 and the associated clamping members 29 as disclosed. In other words, the disclosed switch structure readily lends itself to a positioning of the different levers 27 at substantially predetermined angular positions with respect to the associated shafts which will be maintained during long periods of service by the clamping action which is exerted on the levers 27 by the disclosed construction.

Moreover, the construction of the levers 27 and the associated clamping members readily lends itself to a combination with an associated lever arm such as the lever arm 47 whose angular position is not as critical as that of the different levers 27 since it is not necessary for the lever arm 47 to track or move in synchronism with corresponding lever arms in the other switch units of the overall switch structure 10. In addition, the applicants construction has the advantage that while permitting a precise positioning of the levers 27, the levers 27 are prevented from shifting or changing relative positions with respect to the associated shafts 25 after being installed or with respect to each other during long periods of service of the overall switch structure Accordingly, the adjustable clamping means of the present invention provides for a clamping member and locking stud which is inserted into a connecting rod to the required depth to produce the desired length of pipe or rod linkage whereupon the locking stud is tightened in place in a slip-proof manner; and where 1. A switch structure comprising a supporting frame,

a plurality of spaced switch units mounted on the frame, each switch unit having a movable lever for operating the switch unit between open and closed positions, means including tie rods for interconnecting the levers of adjacent switch units, common drive means for the switch units and operatively connected to the lever of one of the switch units, adjustable connecting means between each lever and corresponding tie rod and comprising a pivotal portion connected to a lever and a clamping portion attached to a tie rod, and

the clamping portion comprising an expandable insert clamping orti on includes a threaded bore, and in who the ockmg stud IS in threaded engagement with the threaded bore.

5. The switch structure of claim 4 in which the pivotal portion comprises a clevis and the expandable insert comprises a plurality of spaced slots forming slotted sections, and an inner conical surface, and in which the locking stud includes a tapered surface engageable with the inner conical surface.

6. The switch structure of claim 5 in which each slotted section includes a peripheral surface having spaced pointed edges adapted for seizing the inner surface of the tie rod.

7. The switch structure of claim 5 in which each slotted section includes a plurality of outwardly extending points.

8. The switch structure of claim 5 in which each slotted section includes a serrated peripheral surface. 

1. A switch structure comprising a supporting frame, a plurality of spaced switch units mounted on the frame, each switch unit having a movable lever for operating the switch unit between open and closed positions, means including tie rods for interconnecting the levers of adjacent switch units, common drive means for the switch units and operatively connected to the lever of one of the switch units, adjustable connecting means between each lever and corresponding tie rod and comprising a pivotal portion connected to a lever and a clamping portion attached to a tie rod, and the clamping portion comprising an expandable insert movable radially between collapsed and expanded gripping relationships with the inner surface of the tie rod.
 2. The switch structure of claim 1 in which the expandable insert includes surface means for seizing the inner surface of the tie rod when the expandable part is radially expanded.
 3. The switch structure of claim 2 in which the adjustable connecting means also comprises a locking stud cooperative with the expandable insert.
 4. The switch structure of claim 3 in which the clamping portion includes a threaded bore, and in which the locking stud is in threaded engagement with the threaded bore.
 5. The switch structure of claim 4 in which the pivotal portion comprises a clevis and the expandable insert comprises a plurality of spaced slots forming slotted sections, and an inner conical surface, and in which the locking stud includes a tapered surface engageable with the inner conical surface.
 6. The switch structure of claim 5 in which each slotted section includes a peripheral surface having spaced pointed edges adapted for seizing the inner surface of the tie rod.
 7. The switch structure of claim 5 in which each slotted section includes a plurality of outwardly extending points.
 8. The switch structure of claim 5 in which each slotted section includes a serrated peripheral surface. 